Burial insurance is a simple, accessible, and affordable way for seniors to plan for their end-of-life expenses. Burial insurance policies help surviving loved ones cover funeral expenses, medical bills, or leftover debts.
As experts in the burial insurance market, Final Expense Benefits is here to help connect you to a great plan at any budget. Call us today for a no-pressure consultation to find a policy that fits your financial plan.
To learn more about burial insurance, call us at (866) 786-0725 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or check our free online quoting tool for a personalized pricing estimate.
Key takeaways
Burial insurance is a type of life insurance that seniors can use to cover their funeral bills, burial plot costs, and other end-of-life expenses.
Burial policies are whole life insurance, so they gain cash value, have locked premiums, and the benefits will never decrease.
Designed with seniors in mind, those with pre-existing medical conditions are often eligible for burial policies.
Burial insurance rates are often affordable, and starting younger locks in lower rates.
What is Burial Insurance?
Also known as final expense insurance, burial insurance is a type of whole life policy designed to help seniors cover their end-of-life expenses. Most policies don’t require a medical exam to qualify and feature relaxed medical underwriting requirements, making it easier for seniors with pre-existing health issues to qualify. Other benefits include:
- Lifetime coverage
Policies stay in effect for life as long as premiums are paid. - Low, locked rates
Monthly premiums are locked at the policy’s start and are affordable for most seniors. Apply early; the younger you are when you start your policy, the lower your rate.
- Cash value growth
Whole life policies gain cash value over time, which can be used to borrow cash or purchase additional coverage. - Benefits tailored to seniors’ needs
Benefits range from about $5,000 to $50,000, plenty to cover end-of-life expenses like funerals, burial plots, and cremation.
What Does Burial Insurance Cover?
Burial insurance is designed for seniors to cover the rising costs of funerals, burial plots, cremation, and other end-of-life expenses. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral in 2025 is nearing $10,000, depending on location and desired services. If you die without life insurance, your family will need to pay the entire bill immediately.
That’s why burial insurance policies are often quoted at $10,000, but most policies offer benefit payouts large enough to cover a funeral or leave an inheritance to loved ones. These payouts are often used to pay for:
- Funeral and burial services
- Cremation costs
- Cemetery fees
- Medical bills
- Unpaid debts
While the tax-free benefit payout is meant to pay for these end-of-life expenses, beneficiaries can use it for anything they choose. This versatility is a huge benefit to burial policies and a major reason why we recommend these policies.
To see how much coverage you might need, check our free funeral cost calculator.
How Much Is Burial Insurance?
Burial insurance rates vary depending on age, health, gender, and the size of the death benefit payout. The older you are when you apply, the higher your monthly premium, so you can save by applying early. Though coverage is available to applicants in their 70s or 80s, we generally recommend people sign up for life insurance in their 50s or 60s.
Here are sample rates from some of our top life insurance partners for seniors ages 50 through 80 for $10,000 to $30,000 burial insurance policies. These sample applicants are non-smokers and have no pre-existing health conditions.
Burial Insurance Rates for Seniors Over 50
1
| Company |
$10,000 Male |
$10,000 Female |
$20,000 Male |
$20,000 Female |
$30,000 Male |
$30,000 Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$34 |
$27 |
$65 |
$51 |
$96 |
$75 |
|
|
$32 |
$27 |
$61 |
$51 |
$90 |
$75 |
|
|
$31 |
$26 |
$57 |
$48 |
$84 |
$67 |
|
|
$34 |
$29 |
$45 |
$35 |
$79 |
$59 |
|
|
$33 |
$26 |
$48 |
$36 |
$82 |
$58 |
These figures are estimates only, calculated using a non-smoking 50-year-old applicant with no pre-existing conditions.
Burial Insurance Rates for Seniors Over 60
2
| Company |
$10,000 Male |
$10,000 Female |
$20,000 Male |
$20,000 Female |
$30,000 Male |
$30,000 Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$51 |
$41 |
$99 |
$78 |
$146 |
$115 |
|
|
$47 |
$38 |
$91 |
$74 |
$136 |
$110 |
|
|
$43 |
$35 |
$82 |
$66 |
$122 |
$97 |
|
|
$44 |
$33 |
$84 |
$63 |
$125 |
$92 |
|
|
$50 |
$40 |
$96 |
$76 |
$142 |
$112 |
These figures are estimates only, calculated using a non-smoking 60-year-old applicant with no pre-existing conditions.
Burial Insurance Rates for Seniors Over 70
3
| Company |
$10,000 Male |
$10,000 Female |
$20,000 Male |
$20,000 Female |
$30,000 Male |
$30,000 Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$73 |
$58 |
$143 |
$113 |
$212 |
$168 |
|
|
$79 |
$60 |
$155 |
$118 |
$231 |
$176 |
|
|
$71 |
$53 |
$138 |
$103 |
$205 |
$152 |
|
|
$75 |
$53 |
$146 |
$103 |
$217 |
$153 |
|
|
$82 |
$57 |
$160 |
$109 |
$238 |
$161 |
These figures are estimates only, calculated using a non-smoking 70-year-old applicant with no pre-existing conditions.
Burial Insurance Rates for Seniors Over 80
4
| Company |
$10,000 Male |
$10,000 Female |
$20,000 Male |
$20,000 Female |
$30,000 Male |
$30,000 Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$140 |
$101 |
$277 |
$199 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
|
$156 |
$114 |
$309 |
$225 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
|
$136 |
$98 |
$268 |
$193 |
$400 |
$288 |
|
|
$140 |
$98 |
$276 |
$194 |
$413 |
$289 |
|
|
$158 |
$120 |
$311 |
$235 |
$464 |
$351 |
These figures are estimates only, calculated using a non-smoking 80-year-old applicant with no pre-existing conditions.
If you’re interested in a burial insurance policy from these or any of our great partners, contact Final Expense Benefits today or check our free online quoting tool.
Types of Burial Insurance
Burial insurance is available in a few different types, designed to cover different budgets or health needs. Some providers offer only one type of policy and assign rates based on applicants’ health status. Here are the types most companies provide and what you need to know about each:
Level Burial Insurance
1
Level policies are the most affordable and offer the best coverage, typically with no waiting period. Depending on the provider, these policies usually have the strictest health requirements, but most don’t require a medical exam. Most require answering a questionnaire, which is used to determine rates alongside the applicant’s health profile from a Medical Information Bureau report.
Seniors with minor or managed health conditions usually qualify for level coverage, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Mild anxiety or depression
- Controlled diabetes
Simplified Issue Burial Insurance
2
Simplified issue policies feature a streamlined underwriting process with applications that involve a short questionnaire without a medical exam. These policies are often approved quicker than level plans, but because the underwriting is less personalized, premium rates for simplified policies may be slightly higher.
Modified Benefit Burial Insurance
3
Modified life insurance policies are typically reserved for seniors with more serious health conditions. These policies have a waiting period of two to three years. If the policyholder dies during this time, benefit payouts may be reduced or paid over time, rather than the standard single lump sum.
Rates for modified policies are typically around 25% higher than comparable level plans, and payout ranges are smaller. However, seniors in poor health may not have another option.
Guaranteed Life Insurance
4
Guaranteed policies approve applicants regardless of health condition, but premiums are higher, have waiting periods, and payouts usually cap at $30,000. However, guaranteed life insurance is the only way for seniors with major pre-existing conditions to get coverage, including:
How Does Burial Insurance for Seniors Work?
Applying for burial insurance is simple when you work with a brokerage like Final Expense Benefits. We partner with over 20 of the top burial insurance companies and can help connect you to a policy that fits your needs from this large catalog.
Here’s a general timeline for burial insurance:
- Shop for coverage
Find the policy and provider that works best for you. Working with a brokerage can streamline this process and help you get coverage quickly. - Apply
Choose your coverage and fill out the provider’s application. A licensed life insurance agent can help ensure your application is filled out properly. - Get approved
Instant or next-day approvals are common for burial insurance, though seniors with pre-existing conditions may need to wait for approval from underwriters. - Make payments
As long as you pay your premium, your policy will remain active. - Payout
Payouts are normally issued within 30 days of the policyholder’s death.
What to Consider When Applying for Burial Insurance
Choosing the right policy starts with asking the right questions and connecting with a knowledgeable, helpful agent. Speaking with agents from brokerages like Final Expense Benefits often means you will get a better deal than dealing directly with a life insurance provider.
Agents working directly with life insurance companies can be helpful, but they are usually “captive”, meaning they can only sell their company’s policies, limiting your options. Working with a brokerage like Final Expense Benefits gives you many more ways to save.
Questions you should ask while shopping for burial insurance include:
- What is the policy’s total cost?
- Does the policy have a waiting period?
- How quickly are claims paid?
- What health conditions might affect eligibility?
- Can the policy build cash value?
Being organized and prepared when you apply for life insurance can help you avoid scams or being overcharged for mediocre coverage.
Best Burial Insurance Companies
Final Expense Benefits works with over 20 of the top-rated burial insurance providers, but here are some of our top picks for seniors:
- Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha is one of the highest-rated life insurance companies, offering some of the market’s lowest rates, diverse policies, and renowned customer service.
Best for: Seniors seeking quality coverage at low rates. - Aetna Accendo
Aetna Accendo has competitive rates, fantastic customer service reviews, and relaxed underwriting, which means you can qualify for lower rates, even with pre-existing conditions.
Best for: Seniors with pre-existing conditions. - American Amicable
American Amicable offers quality coverage and inexpensive, flexible policies with a variety of insurance riders for customization.
Best for: Seniors with diverse needs seeking customizable policies.
If you’re interested in these or any of our great life insurance partners, call Final Expense Benefits or check our free online quoting tool for a personalized estimate.
Burial Insurance Companies to Avoid
Not all providers offer the same quality, focusing more on flashy marketing than strong coverage. Here are a few insurers we recommend avoiding:
- Colonial Penn
One of the most well-known insurers thanks to their ever-present commercials, Colonial Penn claims to offer inexpensive coverage starting at just $9.95 monthly. However, the 995 plan offers poor value and limited coverage. - Lincoln Heritage
Lincoln Heritage is another well-known insurer that promises a lot and delivers very little. Their plans cost about 40% more than comparable policies, and their customer service has a nightmarish record. - American Income Life
Not only does American Income Life not offer a specific burial policy, they also overcharge for their generic, limited whole life policies.
Final Thoughts
Burial insurance is a great decision for seniors seeking to provide peace of mind for their loved ones. Covering your end-of-life expenses ahead of time can help your loved ones avoid financial hardship at a difficult time.
If you’re interested in learning more about burial insurance, Final Expense Benefits can help. Check our detailed articles to learn more about your options, providers, and more, and our funeral cost calculator can give you an idea of how much coverage you need.
To learn more, call Final Expense Benefits at (866) 786-0725 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or check our free online quoting tool for a personalized pricing estimate.
FAQ
Is burial insurance worth it?
Burial insurance is a great investment for seniors who want to ensure loved ones aren’t left with unexpected funeral or medical costs. Burial policies are usually affordable and accessible for seniors, even with pre-existing health issues.
How much does burial insurance cost?
Burial insurance rates vary depending on age, health, and coverage amounts, but most seniors pay between $25 and $150 monthly.
Where can I find burial insurance quotes?
Final Expense Benefits offers a free online tool for burial insurance quotes. If you’d like a more personal touch, our agents are available at (866) 786-0725 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
Does AARP offer burial insurance?
AARP does offer burial insurance through a partnership with the major insurer New York Life, but we don’t recommend it because it’s a group policy that takes most of the control away from the policyholder.
Can I get burial insurance on my parents?
You can get burial insurance for a parent if they consent and are aware of the policy.
How much does a funeral cost?
In 2025, average funeral costs in the U.S. are around $10,000, which is why most sample burial insurance quotes are for $10,000 policies. Check our free funeral cost calculator to see how much coverage you need.